Vinyl lost its shine

[Darol Wester]

A customer of mine had someone clean their vinyl with who knows what and it took the shine completely off. It's an older vinyl and I couldn't tell you what brand it is. If I had to guess I'd say Armstrong. They're wanting to know what can be done that might bring some shine back. Would something like Armstrong's Shinekeeper do any good? If not, any ideas?

[Jeff Needham]

I don't know what would remove all remaining factory gloss from a vinyl flooring. Something overly acidic would pit the finish and dull it. If this is an older floor, it';s possible this had dulled over time and a polish had been applied. someone could come in and remove that polish with amonia or a deep cleaner/stripper, exposing the either dulled factory finish OR exposing the original low gloss finish.
One thing I would suggest is to try spot cleaning with Congoleum's heavy duty cleaner/stripper or Armstrong's version. Both are used straight from the bottle. Slosh a little on a spot and let it set. then scrub and wipe up with a rag. Rinse and let dry. This will remove most residues from improper cleaning agents and expose the original shine if it has been coated in said residue. If that makes a difference, clean the entire floor. Finally, re-apply a polish if needed for an even shine.
Tell your customers and clients to NEVER use dish soap, M--- oil soap, straight vinigar or amonia, or abrasives! So many people think whatever is handy will do the job. Anyway.....

[TFP Admin]

Excellent post, Jeff, thanks. In fact, this is something that can help consumers every bit as much as the pros here, so I'm moving it to the consumer vinyl forum - unless the OP has any objection.

Thanks again,

T

[rusty baker]

If it is a no-wax floor and they waxed it, it will be dull.

[Darol Wester]

Not a problem T. Good idea.

Great info Jeff. I'll pass it along to the customer. Many thanks.

[Jeff Needham]

I had a customer who called me within several months of having a new vinyl installed. She was concerned that the color was wearing off her new floor. When I came to look, there were indeed light spots showing on the floor, in front of the sink, and refrigerator, mostly. Any pivot point for traffic- especially spots subject to water. Any place she was wearing off the film from washing her floor daily with dish soap, exposing the original color.
Sales people, ALWAYS discuss floor care with yur customers!

[Darol Wester]

I whole heartedly agree but seldom is it done. At least in my area. I remember years back when retailers would give maintenance literature with every sale. Haven't seen that in some time. Customers are always asking me for this information and I just tell them to be sure to stop in and get it from wherever you bought the material. Half the time the retailer doesn't have anything to give them.

I remember Armstrong use to have their consumer contact # printed right on the surface of the material.